Axial: https://linktr.ee/axialxyz
Axial partners with great founders and inventors. We invest in early-stage life sciences companies such as Appia Bio, Seranova Bio, Delix Therapeutics, Simcha Therapeutics, among others often when they are no more than an idea. We are fanatical about helping the rare inventor who is compelled to build their own enduring business. If you or someone you know has a great idea or company in life sciences, Axial would be excited to get to know you and possibly invest in your vision and company . We are excited to be in business with you - email us at info@axialvc.com
MyoKardia is one of the largest & rare success stories in cardiovascular drug development. Founded in 2012 & acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb in 2020 for >$13B, the company led by Tassos Gianakakos pioneered a precision medicine approach in heart disease with a 2022 approval of mavacamten in HCM.
HCM = hypertrophic cardiomyopathy & affects ~1/500 people with around 200K diagnosed. The disease is a chronic/progressive disease that leads to excessive heart contraction. Mavacamten is a first-in-class drug to treat obstructive HCM targeting myosin.
MyoKardia built a platform centered around 4 parts:
1. Understanding the biomechanics of heart disease. Mainly the sarcomere.
2. Targeting proteins that modulate this
3. Find specific patient populations where protein targets influence their symptoms
4. Build a pipeline based on population genetics & existing clinical studies
The company built a small molecule pipeline focused on modulating cardiac muscle contraction. Bristol acquired MyoKardia based on clinical data for mavacamten (~2x more responders than placebo) and the drug’s potential to complement Eliquis (anticoagulant).
For HCM, between 10%-25% of patients are diagnosed and often later in life around their 40s/50s. Mavacamten will be an interesting case study of a therapies ability to spur more patients to get diagnosed.
Now part of BMS. Looking forward to the various companies and products that come from MyoKardia alumni over the next 2 decades. The dream of precision medicine is finally being fulfilled after 2-3 decades of work. What other opportunities are there for Precision Medicine for X.